Language

Uncomplicated language

The language used in the speech "Address to the Nation on Immigration" by Barack Obama is Standard American English, rather formal and solemn, to reflect the importance of the president’s address: “My fellow Americans, tonight, I’d like to talk with you about immigration. For more than 200 years, our tradition of welcoming immigrants from around the world has given us a tremendous advantage over other nations.” (ll. 1-3)

However, the choice of words is simple and explicative. There is nothing in the speech that targeted viewers or readers might not understand. However, for those who are not living in the US and who are not acquainted with US politics, it may take longer to grasp the context of the speech. Even so, they will still understand the main point of the address.

Imagery

In this particular speech, imagery (the creation of visual and sensory images) is less important, as the topic of the text is about immigration and the speaker is focused on logical arguments to defend the measures he plans to take with regards to immigration in the US. Even so, we can still identify some brief descriptive passages, particularly when Obama tries to differentiate between various types of immigrants or when he gives the example of one immigrant student called Astrid Silva. Here is but one example of imagery from the text: “Are we a nation that tolerates the hypocrisy of a system where workers who pick our fruit and make our beds never have a chance to get right with the law?” (ll. 95-96)

Similes and Comparisons

Occasionally, the sender uses some similes and comparisons to make the audience empathize with migrants or – the other way around – to show that he understands the dissatisfactions of Americans. Here are the most relevant examples: “Many of their kids are American-born or spent most of their lives here, and their hope...